Every now and then, I love a timeless dress and this one gives me Coco Chanel vibes with the double fringe hem… yes please! I think this would be such a great dress for a job interview or church – polished, unique and a little bit of fun with the fringe.
And again with the Highland boots. I can’t quit. I love them even more than I thought I would!
AND most of you said you were interested in weekly Whole30 updates, so I plan to share those each Saturday this month! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (on sale!) | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 (40% off and in 5 colors!) | 11 (look for less at only $125!) |12
I’ve been dreaming in grays and creams lately and I can’t believe all the pretty pieces out there… why do I always think of things I am lusting for after Christmas and my birthday? Not that I need a single thing… but I mean, I need to get my brain in action a little earlier.
This bag is such a great shape and a great splurge (similar look for less here), and this scalloped top has me dreaming of a tropical vacation we’re currently planning! I already snagged this cute little hat for the trip. And glitter sneakers? I mean… yes yes yes!
What were some of your favorite items you snagged over the holidays? Anything left off your list that you might be using some of that Christmas cash for? Thanks so much for reading! XO –
I bet you’re all, “GIRL – you’re in a mini skirt in the snow… what is wrong with you!?” Just to be fair, we photographed these on our last day and it was in the 30’s (rather than the 10 degrees in the days prior), so it felt warm in comparison!
This little skirt may have felt a little too Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman with heels, but with over-the-knee boots an a turtleneck, it was just right. And after a few months of having these boots in both the heeled version and flat version, I am so glad I took the plunge. They elevate almost any outfit and are much more comfortable than most heels I own. If you’re debating – I give them an A+!
Thanks so much for reading! And a little question… I started Whole30 with Christian on 12/31. Would you guys be interested in hearing a weekly update in Friday’s Five about the progress, favorite meals, struggles, etc.? I’ve been sharing my meals on Snapchat (CBLied) and people are screenshotting like cray so I’m wondering if this si something y’all might want to see? Let me know what you think! XO –
First post of 2016!! Thank you guys for all the sweet words in last week’s “best of” post and this Instagram – each of you that engages with me in comments, messages, emails, tweets – you bring so much joy into my life and I can’t thank you enough! I hope everyone had a fab holiday break. I enjoyed some days off myself, and it was the first time I’ve unplugged in quite some time. It felt good.
SO, I’ve had this adorable bar cart since October but it sold out so quickly that I’ve been waiting to share this fun post with you guys until it’s been restocked! So it was restocked a little over a week ago… and then sold out yesterday – oy vey. NO worries – I’m sharing several other bar cart options that are totally affordable and marked down!
It’s obvious what you put on a bar cart… alcohol, right? But there are so many different ways you can style a bar cart. They can be used for multiple purposes, so today I want to share three of the ways I use our bar cart that aren’t your traditional booze cruise on wheels (not that I am against that concept, I fully support it!).
First, we have a coffee cart. A great way to use your bar cart when you have overnight guests! When we have overnight visitors I always pull out the cream and sugar and set the coffee in case they wake before I do and want a cup. I think pulling out a cart, having it prepped (of course the coffee will be in the coffee pot and the creamer will be stored in the fridge) it such a thoughtful touch.
Second is probably the most common way I use this little cart. I fill it with candles and light it when we’re having dinner. It gives that romantic ambiance without cluttering the dinner table.
Lastly, kitchen storage! Adding your cookbooks and some cookware is a really cute way to bring the cart into the kitchen without it looking like you’re pouring wine in your coffee cup. But maybe you are? I’m not judging.
Do you have any ideas for styling a bar cart? I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate it… like a hot cocoa cart, patio bar cart or even nightstand.
Thanks so much for reading – I hope you guys liked this post… I love sharing home posts! XO –
Another year breezed by – Lawd! I put together one of these “best of” posts for the year 2014 here, and I had so much fun going through old posts that I knew I wanted to pull images for a 2015 roundup!
This year was definitely one of the most challenging professionally (more about that here), but looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I learned a lot about myself – how I handle stress (including ways I can manage my stress better, shared here), how to work more efficiently and overall, how sometimes I have to slow down to feel my happiest.
Below are photos from some of my favorite posts – if it’s an outfit in can be found in the fashion category, decor can be found in home and food/drink in… food/drink]!
Do you have any favorite moments or milestones of 2015? Anything you’ve learned that has ultimately brought you to a greater happiness and feeling of fulfillment? I would truly love to hear. I am so so SO beyond appreciative of each and every one of you that come to this blog to read and engage – and I’ve learned so much from all of you. Your advice, support and personal experiences have enriched my life, and I thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to visit CBL.
LOTS of love to each of you as you ring in the New Year! Wishing a mega fun and safe night to all of you – XO –
So maybe I’ve overdone it on the winter white this year (like yesterday, here and here)… but I can’t quit! I think the lighter color can be so refreshing rather than the easy grab of dark denim or black (not that I don’t love black). What I love about this dress is that it can be dressed up with some fur accessories and stilettos or dressed down with a chambray shirt and ankle booties.
And I mean… bring on the fur! I’ve had this gray hat since this summer and have been waiting for the opportunity to wear it! It’s soft, one of my favorite colors and let’s be honest – totally ridiculous. So Carrie Bradshaw, you know I love it.
dress (comes in 3 colors) gloves c/o River Island | heels c/o River Island, no longer available, similar here and here | clutch c/o River Island, no longer available, love this one and this one (on sale!) | vest c/o River Island, no longer available, love this one and this one (on sale!) | hat c/o Monsoon, no longer available, nearly identical here | sunnies | earrings c/o
So sorry several of these items literally sold out in the past two days – boo! I linked as similar of items as I could find. Thanks so much for reading! Tell me (and be honest), would you ever wear this hat? Ha! XO –
We were amazed at how beautiful Convict Lake and Mammoth Mountain were over Christmas break – and it was our first white Christmas! This is our third California Christmas because C doesn’t get enough time off to make a flight all the way to Mississippi, but honestly, they get a little more fun every year and by this year it didn’t feel all that strange to have just the two of us. We hit the mountain to ski on Christmas Day and I was amazed at all of the families there. So fun!
BUT, let’s talk about the clothes, shall we? This River Island sweater dress is so comfortable and soft, I loved wearing it in our little cabin! I clipped a fur scarf to it for one look, and then ditched the fur for a draped coat for another. I think there are several cute ways to wear it, and with these long, warm sleeves – I think I might be pulling it out again for NYE.
How was your Christmas!? And did you have crazy weather? I feel like the coasts have flip-flopped this year – so bizarre. Thanks so much for reading – and don’t forget to check out Nordstrom‘s awesome sale going on! XO –
We are cozied up in a snowy cabin for Christmas in California, but I couldn’t believe all of these after Christmas sales and had to share them with you guys!
Nordstrom: Half-yearly sale with up to 50% off items for women, men, children and home (!!!)
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
Glory to God and peace on earth! I hope all of you have a beautiful weekend with those that you love, and let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. We are blessed and thank you guys for blessing me. Lots of love to you and yours – XO –
December and hot chocolate just go hand-in-hand, do they not? I’m an eggnog lover and a hot chocolate lover (both non-spiked if you can believe it), and this time of year either or is the perfect dessert of choice! Those little packets with hot water did the trick in college, but if I’m going to make hot chocolate, I’m willing to put in the time for the real deal.
SO, I wanted to share my current favorite hot cocoa recipe with you guys – just in time for you to make a cup with your families this weekend!
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder – I used Max Brenner’s from NYC, addicting!
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk – I used almond milk
dash of heavy cream or half and half
optional: dash of vanilla extract + marshmallows
Directions:
Mix cocoa, sugar and salt in a medium-sized pot. Add water and bring mixture to a simmer. Add milk and whisk well until it’s at a simmer (but do not boil!).
If I’m really indulging, I like to add a small dash of heavy cream before pouring in the chocolate and topping with mini marshmallows. I take my hot cocoa with a dash of vanilla extract as well, while C goes without – it’s up to you!
Of course I added some extra sweets to my dessert drink because… I’m wearing a giant sweater and who’s counting? It’s fine.
Do you have a favorite holiday drink recipe? I’d love to hear! We are heading to a little cabin in the snow tomorrow and I think I could use some hot drinks. Merry merry to you and yours and thanks always for reading – XO –
1. Elf. Christian’s favorite – needs no explanation!
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey. My favorite – it always has been and I was completely amazed with how incredible Jim Carrey’s performance was! I don’t think it’s shocking that this has always been my favorite scene.
3. Home Alone, I and II. Obviously. When C told me he didn’t grow up watching these I was like… “WERE YOU LIVING UNDER A ROCK?” Am I the only who thinks this series is like, the ABC’s of Christmas movies?
4. Four Christmases. This scene brings tears of laughter to my eyes every time.
5. The Family Stone – reminds me of my crazy family and makes me feel a little closer to home. Luke Wilson – I love him in everything! Even the preview makes me smile.
6. White Christmas – I actually watched this movie for the first time ever a few weeks ago and was totally charmed by it! I can’t believe I’d never seen it – it’s adorable.
7. While You Were Sleeping. I don’t think everyone considers this a holiday movie, but it the majority of it takes place over the holidays, so I considering it one! One of my top two favorite movies ever, along with You’ve Got Mail (another one that partially takes place over the holidays). My family uses the quote “these mashed potatoes are so creamy” when there are multiple conversations going on – love it!
8. Ok so Friends isn’t a holiday movie, this is true, BUT there are so many great Christmas episodes and the holiday armadillo has to be my favorite. Ross wants to teach his son more about Hannakuh but feels he has to “one up” Santa in order to get his attention. Season 7, episode 10. Hilar. If you want more Friends Christmas episodes, you can find a full list here.
9. The Holiday. Just real, real cute. And I want Jude Law’s daughters + their little accents.
So these are my favorites this time of year, tell me – what will you be watching this weekend with your family? I’d love to expand my collection! Thanks so much for reading and Happy Holidays to each and every one of you. I’m so grateful for your support and friendship – XO –
I shared some outfit inspiration last week for a Christmas Eve outfit, and today I wanted to share what I would normally wear on Christmas Day. When I was younger and none of my siblings were married, we would stay in our pajamas until the afternoon sometimes. Why not? Now that we have added seven new members to our family, people tend to get dressed in normal clothes well before 10AM, sometimes they’re even dressed when opening gifts (tragic! You guys know I most definitely stay in my pajamas)!
SO all of this being said, I like to dress comfortable (I have to leave room for one or seven pieces of pie) but also cute enough that if I see pictures of myself from the weekend I’m not thinking, “really Kathleen? That’s the best you could do?” So this sleeveless cashmere turtleneck fits the bill perfectly, paired with an ultra soft cardigan like this one from ShopbellaC.
AND, Christmas came early thanks to the fabulous team at Henri Daussi! You guys may have seen this post on Instagram or seen a peek on Snapchat (CBLied), but I worked with the Henri Daussi team to select this beautiful diamond band to pair with my engagement ring. I love my original wedding bands, but because C designed my engagement ring and we purchased the bands from the same jeweler rather than designing them, the rings have aged differently. C has never been crazy about the bands and has often said he wished he had chosen to design them instead… so we were so excited to select this one that pairs so beautifully with my ring. I still have my original bands and have been wearing them on my right hand, but Christian and I both feel this is a match made in heaven!
Because I know most of you are going to be traveling home for the holiday weekend, this will be my only style post of the week. I’m planning to share some fun posts over the next few days that I think you can incorporate into your weekends at home (hint, hint – like movies and chocolate). Thank you guys so much for reading and I hope you have a great start to a beautiful week! XO –
